Words / A2

p-uh-LYT/pəˈlaɪt/

Polite means behaving with respect for other people: a polite request, be polite to customers, it is polite to say please. Rude is the opposite; kind is about warmth, while polite is about manners. You are polite to someone, not “polite with” in careful English. Politeness is the noun. Do not use polite for food that tastes good — that is delicious.

Meaning

Behaving in a way that shows respect for other people.

Examples

• “It is polite to say please and thank you.”
• “Please be polite when you speak to the receptionist.”
• “It is not polite to interrupt.”

Good to know

be polite to + person. it is polite to + verb. Opposite: rude. Noun: politeness.

Near in meaning

courteous

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